Paying your Council Tax

This section tells you how we collect Council Tax and what you can do to avoid problems paying it.

We aim to ensure that Council Tax is paid within the year it is due. Please do your best to ensure that you keep to the payment dates on your bill - payments made on time can help cut Council costs and provide better services.

When will I get my bill?

Normally, we will send out the bills during March.

If you move house, don't forget to let us know.

How will I know what to pay?

Your bill will show the total amount to be paid and a schedule of instalments. It may also mention any payments outstanding.

The financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

When do I have to pay my bill?

You can choose from any of the following:

• Monthly - if you pay monthly, other than by Direct Debit, you should pay at the start of each month, for 10 months (from April to January). If you don't pay at the start of the month, we will send you reminders.
  If you want to pay later in the month, this can be done by Direct Debit and you can choose the date that you pay.
  • Download a Direct Debit form 
    or contact us to have one posted.
  • Click here for more information about Direct Debit. 
• Half-yearly - you should pay on 1 May and 1 September.
• Yearly - you should pay by 1 May.

If you want to change your payments from monthly, you must write to the Revenues office and ask for this.

What about money owed for an earlier period?

If you owe money for an earlier period, either for the same or a different address, this will be shown separately on your bill and will not be included be in your instalments for the current year.

How to make a payment

• The back of your bill lists the different ways that you can pay.
• See how to pay your Council bills
  If you do not pay at Thanet's Gateway Plus in Margate or by Direct Debit, please allow 4 working days for your payment to reach us, otherwise you may get a reminder.
• Click here if you need a new Council Tax payment card.

What happens if I miss a payment?

About two weeks after the date your payment is due, you will receive a reminder notice showing how much you owe. If you miss a payment more than once, we may ask you to pay your whole account.

What if I can't pay?

Tell us straight away! We may be able to rearrange your payments or tell you if you qualify for a reduction.

How can my bill be reduced?

• If you live alone, you are entitled to 25% discount.
• Some people with disabilities can receive reductions.
• If you are on a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit.
• If you think that your property is in the wrong Council Tax band.

What happens if you can't reduce my bill, and I still can't pay?

If you find yourself in this position, you must phone our Revenues office on 01843 577558.

If you are still unable to pay, we may take the following action:

1. You will be sent a second reminder about four weeks after the first one.
2. If you don't pay after the first or second reminder we will send a final notice. This cancels your instalments and asks for the year's Council Tax to be paid in full.
3. If you still don't pay we will send you a summons for a hearing in the Magistrates' Court. At this hearing we will also ask for court costs to be added.

If the court issues a liability order against you we can take further action, such as asking our bailiffs to recovery the money you owe. You can be sent to prison for not paying your Council Tax.

Where can I get advice?

By contacting the Revenues office.

Revenues Office

E-mail:

council.tax@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577558

(from 9am to 5.30pm)

Fax: 01843 577532

or Visit our offices